Representative Tran Cosponsors Resolution to Defend Right to Peaceful Protest, Condemn Authoritarian Response to LA Demonstrations
Washington, DC – U.S. Representative Derek Tran (CA-45) joined members of the California Congressional Delegation in cosponsoring a Congressional Resolution to express concern regarding President Trump’s deployment of federal troops to recent demonstrations in Los Angeles without coordinating with state and local officials. The resolution reaffirms support for state and local law enforcement and the people’s First Amendment right to peaceful protest.
The full text of the resolution can be found HERE.
H.Res.543 was introduced by Representative Nanette Barragán (CA-44) and Chair of the California Democratic Congressional Delegation Zoe Lofgren (CA-18). While an alternative resolution was ultimately considered on the House floor today for a vote, Tran voted against it because it failed to acknowledge the burden placed on local law enforcement by the Trump Administration’s actions.
“I firmly believe in law and order, and I won’t tolerate violence of any kind – if you hurt others, if you cause destruction, you should be held accountable. Turning our armed forces on peaceful protests without coordination with state and local law enforcement does not keep us safe, it only causes chaos and confusion. I’m proud to defend my community’s First Amendment rights and uphold our democracy’s foundational values,” said Representative Tran.
H.Res.543 is co-sponsored by 65 Members of Congress and notes that violence in LA was limited and under control by local and state law enforcement. The resolution also commends the state and local law enforcement officers who have worked to protect public safety and maintain peace, supports Americans’ right to protest peacefully, condemns acts of violence, and supports the military service members in the Marines and National Guard while objecting to their current deployment to Los Angeles County.
On June 12, 2025, Representative Tran, alongside Representatives Gil Cisneros (CA-31) and George Whitesides (CA-27), sent a letter to U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth demanding answers regarding the deployment of armed forces to Los Angeles. During a recent House Armed Services Committee hearing, Tran pressed Secretary Hegseth on the militarized response to domestic protests and the lack of coordination with state and local law enforcement to keep community members safe.
Congressman Derek Tran represents California’s 45th Congressional District. Serving his first term in Congress, Congressman Tran is a member of the House Armed Services Committee and House Small Business Committee, where he is Ranking Member of the Oversight, Investigations, and Regulations Subcommittee. Congressman Tran is the son of Vietnamese refugees, a Veteran, and fought for consumers as an attorney before entering Congress.